Tips to maintain your car battery

We take it for granted that our car will start every morning when we switch it on, forgetting that a lot of maintenance needs to go into keeping a car running. The last thing anyone wants is to be stuck on a cold winter night because the car battery has died. And yet that’s something that is entirely avoidable.

Follow these 10 useful tips and avoid being left feeling powerless.

1.Drive your vehicle regularly

Driving your vehicle regularly keeps the battery well charged. If you know your car will be standing for a few weeks, arrange for someone to start it for you once or twice a week. If the car is left running for a few minutes a week, it will maintain battery charge. If there is no-one around to help, it’s best to disconnect your battery before going away.

2.Service according to the manufacturer’s schedule

If your engine isn’t working as it should, the battery will work harder and its life will be reduced.

3.Check the charging rate

Under- and over-charging the battery will reduce its life. Most reputable battery dealers will conduct these quick checks for you.

4.Avoid leaving car lights and accessories on for long periods without the engine running

Leaving accessories running while a car is stationary will discharge the battery. Although this can be rectified by recharging the battery, constantly doing this may shorten its life.

5.Keep the battery case clean

Dirt and dampness can damage a battery case, causing it to lose charge. To avoid this, ensure that the case and terminals are checked and cleaned during car services. If you notice corrosion or acid on battery terminals, clean it off with water and cover the terminal connection with grease to avoid it recurring.

6.Keep the battery properly secured in the engine bay

Check that your battery is secure at all times. Vibrations can shake it loose and cause damage to the battery plates. Vibrations can also loosen terminals bringing journeys to an abrupt halt.

7.Never try to jump-start a flat battery

Modern cars are packed with electronic wizardry – just waiting to be blown into oblivion by a careless connection. That’s because jump-starting a flat battery can send excessive current into the system and damage the electronics. If you can’t avoid a jump-start, at least ensure that your headlights are switched on before you make the attempt. This will help avoid electrical surges. Refer to your vehicle’s manual for recommendations on how to jump-start your car, because it can differ from vehicle to vehicle.

8.Park inside a garage in winter

Parking inside a garage where it’s warmer, protects the battery from extreme cold, which shortens its lifespan.

9.Cut down on short trips

Frequent trips of less than 20 minutes don’t give your battery enough time to charge. In doing so, they help drain it faster.

10.Replace your car battery every 3 to 4 years.

“The most common question we get from motorists is, how often should I replace my car battery? On average a battery can last up to three years, but it all depends on your driving conditions, habits and the weather, “Take the time to do regular checks. This will not only prolong a car’s battery life, but also help avoid disappointments.”